As an individual who has been dealing with impairment ratings for more than 35 years, it is clear that the original intent was to establish an objective parameter to begin the point for the discussion of the last aspect of indemnity benefits or compensation for the injured employee. Unfortunately, there are problems with this process. However , there are several proactive steps to be taken to ameliorate any issues that…
It seems there is always a new tool to make handling a workers compensation claim that much easier. Remember when we had cardboard wheels to assess future dates? The newest tool in the chest would appear to be the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and using predictive analytics to aid you in managing that file. We all know that the workers compensation claims file landscape is changing, rules are always…
Subsequent to the December 2024 tragedy in New York City, it is clear that frustrations with the overall insurance process can rise to a level of significant tragedy. It is not lost on those of us in the workers’ compensation ecosystem that similar frustrations are at all to frequent occurrence. Fortunately, to my knowledge, it has not risen to the level of assassination. However, I find it quite astonishing that…
To paraphrase David Letterman, here are my Top 10 reasons that constitute barriers to successful adjudication of a workers compensation claim: 10. High caseload: Not to be overly simplistic, there are simply a limited number of hours in the workday. Paying attention to an excessive number of cases leads to errors, oversight, and compromising the attention each case deserves. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that high caseloads lead to “burnout” and…
It is the season at a time for political change. With the current power structure being shifted significantly, one must take into consideration the politics of healthcare and the Worker’s Compensation system. Healthcare within the Worker’s Compensation system is deeply intermingled with the prevailing political forces within any particular jurisdiction. A key question is are cost issues more important than providing all appropriate care to address the actual injury sustained?…
I came across a rather infrequent but recurrent situation that appears to confuse some of those managing workers’ compensation claim files. This involves pain in the distal lower extremity and the confusion is the difference between plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Both of these diagnoses are noted to be causative of distal lower extremity and or heel pain. However, both of these specific pathologies are very specific and different disease…
If there is anything that would be considered the scourge of workers’ compensation, it is low back pain. As we are an aging workplace population, and the mechanical design of the human body really does not support being upright or placing the amount of force through the lower lumbar region, I would doubt that there is even one individual over the age of 18 who has not experienced low back…
Both pathologies involve similar structures and are very close together. However, they are distinctly different conditions, have different onset, and have different treatment protocols. With respect to rotator cuff injuries, the more often they occur secondary to acute trauma such as a fall, or any blunt force injury. However, impingement syndrome occurs when the tendon component of the rotator cuff becomes pinched or otherwise compromised by the bones of the…
Here is a surprise for each of you, artificial intelligence (AI) is present and growing within workers’ compensation. The concern for many is whether this is a good thing. Given the complexities of workers’ compensation, and with the understanding that this is simply one of many tools, it would be my opinion that yes, the use of AI is a good thing for workers’ compensation. The reality is that the…
To paraphrase that old real estate saying, location, location, and of course location. It is noted that carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome are two very common clinical situations involving nerves of the upper extremity. Carpal tunnel syndrome compromises the median nerve at the wrist and is indicative of a compressive neuropathy underneath the carpal ligament. Cubital tunnel syndrome also noted is a compressive neuropathy compromises the ulnar nerve…
